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By Steve Norman

The Blaugrana captain has opted to extend his stay at Camp Nou by three years, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Xavi, who have also penned new deals.

Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol has signed a contract extension that will see him stay at the club until 2016, the club announced on its official website on Tuesday.

The center back joins Xavi and Lionel Messi in signing new deals with the Spanish Liga leaders, although Victor Valdes has refused to commit to the club past the end of his current deal.

The 34-year-old Spanish international's current deal had been due to expire in the summer of 2014, but he will now stay with the Blaugrana for an additional two years. Puyol has played his entire career at Camp Nou and has won five league championships, two Copa del Rey trophies and three UEFA Champions League titles.

Both Adriano and Andres Iniesta are expected to join Puyol in signing extensions in the coming week.